Improper governmental action is defined as any action by an employee undertaken in the performance of the employee's official duties which:

1. Is a gross waste of public funds or resources,2. Is in violation of federal or state law or rule, if the violation is not merely technical or of a minimum nature, 3. Is of substantial and specific danger to the public health or safety, 4. Is gross mismanagement, or5. Prevents dissemination of scientific opinion or alters technical findings.

Public officials are those individuals who are designated to receive whistleblower reports. These officials include the attorney general's designee or designees; the university president; several specific individuals designated by the president; and the executive ethics board. The current list of designated public officials is available in the Whistleblower Procedure (CWUR 3-20-010).